The Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children is to be given an eight-month extension to allow it continue its work.
The committee is trying to agree terms for the promised referendum on extending children's rights, and strengthening the protection for young people from predators.
The Taoiseach told the Dáil today that the poll would not now take place until next year.
It had been originally hoped to hold at least part of it alongside the Lisbon Treaty referendum.
